Ocean Job Board
Perth, WA, Australia
AUD 100,818-114,730 / year
About this exciting opportunity
This role is designed for a specialist in coral ecology who thrives at the intersection of field science, quantitative analysis and ecosystem modelling. It calls for deep expertise in the early life history of corals, including settlement, growth and survival, paired with the ability to analyse large, complex ecological datasets using advanced statistical approaches in R. This role calls for a strong track record in mechanistic modelling of coral populations and reef systems—particularly isolated, closed reef environments such as the Scott Reefs—along with the taxonomic skills needed to identify coral settlers and other benthic organisms.
The position requires hands‑on experience on offshore Western Australian reef systems and will contribute to high‑impact research that advances our understanding of oceanic reef ecology and informs the future of coral conservation.
About you
Our ideal applicant is a scientist who brings deep, hands‑on expertise in coral ecology and a genuine passion for understanding how coral populations function, especially during their earliest and most vulnerable life stages. You will have experience conducting coral demography research on remote oceanic reefs—such as the Scott Reefs—and sophisticated quantitative analysis. Your skill set will include managing large, complex ecological datasets, applying advanced statistical approaches in R, and developing or using mechanistic models to understand coral population and ecosystem dynamics.
You will thrive in both independent and collaborative environments, show initiative, efficiency and scientific curiosity, while also working seamlessly across disciplines to integrate diverse datasets into meaningful ecological insights. You will have the ability to communicate complex science with clarity—whether in writing, presentations or visual formats—and bring practical qualifications needed for offshore research, including diving certifications and the ability to work safely and effectively in remote Western Australian reef systems. Ultimately, the ideal applicant is driven, adaptable and committed to advancing our understanding of oceanic reef ecosystems through rigorous, impactful research.
Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:
Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.
Please note:
Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.
Next step:
Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download below. If, after reviewing the position description, which is included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we would be very interested in hearing from you.
Further information on the application process and tips is available in our website Recruitment process | AIMS.
Submitting your application:
Please ensure that you have your completed documents (resume and one-page cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via the "apply now" button below.
Position enquiries can be directed to James Gilmour, Research Team Leader - Seascape Health and Resilience at j.gilmour@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.
Applications close: WEDNESDAY, 08 JULY 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).